This IS the definitive Collection. A brand new two cd anthology of the seminal classic jazz-rock fusion band. Features essential music from their chart-topping albums "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy," "Where Have I Known You ... more »Before," "No Mystery," and "Romantic Warrior". * Completely Remixed & Remastered. * Best of the 4 classic albums together for the first time. * Commemorates RTF's 2008 World Tour - Their first in 25 years featuring the iconic lineup of CHICK COREA, STANLEY CLARKE, AL DiMEOLA, and LENNY WHITE.« less
This IS the definitive Collection. A brand new two cd anthology of the seminal classic jazz-rock fusion band. Features essential music from their chart-topping albums "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy," "Where Have I Known You Before," "No Mystery," and "Romantic Warrior". * Completely Remixed & Remastered. * Best of the 4 classic albums together for the first time. * Commemorates RTF's 2008 World Tour - Their first in 25 years featuring the iconic lineup of CHICK COREA, STANLEY CLARKE, AL DiMEOLA, and LENNY WHITE.
Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 05/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As part of Return To Forever's ambitious 2008 World Tour, this 20-track, 2-CD set featuring music from the band's legendary catalog has been issued on Concord Records.
The selections are from Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973), Where Have I Known You Before (1974), No Mystery (1975) and Romantic Warrior (1976). The original master tapes are remixed and remastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Mick Guzauski.
An impressive booklet includes an array of photographs and recollections from each band member. This definitive collection is more than two hours of classic fusion from a band which was in the forefront of a revolution of sound and creativity.
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This IS the definitive collection!
Les Moore | Los Angeles | 05/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've heard the original tracks this blows them away. The new technology and standards really show up on this recording. The dynamic range is awesome and needs to be heard to be appreciated. We have the original recordings and put them up against the newly remastered/remixed ones here and that's where you can really tell the difference. And the price is unbelievable. To get this much great music for this priced is too good to pass up. See if you don't agree."
FUSION POWERHOUSE
Baddstuff | astoria, ny United States | 06/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have most if not all of these tracks already but will be ordering this disc soon. I have a ticket to see the band in August. I have already seen this lineup 5 times back in their heyday. This is the classic RTF lineup, at least for most people. This is the band that opened my eyes to the great world of fusion music with their superb Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy album back in the day. If you don't have any of their music this is quite a good place to start. For me (and many others) these guys were one of the seminal fusion bands of their day. Real musicians playing intelligent, well crafted and executed compositions. I realize fusion is not everyone's cup of tea but in a music world filled with simplistic loop driven 'music' I will gladly take this every time. Get this and enjoy some of the best musicians around and challenge the musical side of your brain.
[...]"
Return to Forever Today
Michael H. I. Borger | Nappanee, Indiana | 11/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I owned the first two Return To Forever albums on vinyl back in the seventies when they first were released. I remember them as excellent and worth hearing. Like many people, I sold off my vinyl albums and switched to CDs when the technology went that direction. The Return to Forever music went into my rear view mirror until I bought this Anthology set.
The music sounds better than ever thanks to improved production of sound via the cleaned up sound via digital work. I was blown away by the better sound immediately. The crisp and clear quality of the music sounds like a brand new recording compared to the old vinyl albums played on the old needle-based technology. The quality of the sound is startling.
The music stands up to time and then some. This is some of the best original music of the original fusion wave. The intensity of the music makes your hair stand on end. Chick Corea and the other RTF members were dead serious and in their intent and ultimately effective in their delivery of intellectually stimulating and hard-hitting visceral sounds that really take your spirit and mind on a great ride. This is some of the best fusion jazz ever made, and some of the best fusion jazz you will ever hear.
I cannot consider the music of Chic Corea and Return to Forever without thinking of John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra. When I compare the two, Return to Forever is intellectual first and viscreal second, although the music is wonderful. Mahavishnu Orchestra is pure visceral and emotional fire that just rocks and drives along with an unbelievable intensity. The intensity is there with Return to Forever, but set to simmer rather than blaze.
If you love jazz from the original fusion era, you will love the Return to Forever Anthology. It is a blast from the past that is somehow timeless. Whether it is Louis Armstrong blowing New Orleans jazz in a smoky bar or Return to Forever blazing from a concert stage, the jazz tradition continues - now and forever."